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Minecraft, Code.org Unite for Computer Science Education Week

Minecraft, the world’s number two video game (second only to Tetris) will be the subject of a free Code.org tutorial that will premiere during the organization’s Hour of Code which happens during Computer Science Education Week (December 5-11).

While participation is highly encouraged during this week, teachers can use the hour-long tutorials all year round.

According to Minecraft’s owner, Microsoft, “[t]he new web-based tutorial—available for free at http://code.org/minecraft—enables beginner coders to create and share their own simple ‘Minecraft' game, and is designed to empower anyone to begin learning the problem-solving and critical thinking skills required in today’s tech-fueled world.”

The tutorial is a one-hour experience that uses the parts of Minecraft students know and love to teach them coding skills that will be useful in their future endeavors.

"With the goal of inspiring millions more to try coding for the first time—and to keep going on their journey of learning computer science—as of today’s launch, the tutorial is available in 10 languages, including Spanish. It is scheduled to be available in 50 languages by Dec. 5,” Microsoft said in its statement.

This isn’t the first time Microsoft has partnered with Code.org; the company’s CEO Satya Nadella said in 2015 Microsoft is committed to the partnership as it is in line with its mission to “empower every person on the planet [by] equipping youth with computational thinking and problem-solving skills to succeed in an increasingly digital world.”

For teachers interested in participating, Code.org offers teacher resources and a lesson plan as well as a plan to help lead an event.

On November 22 and November 29, Code.org will also be hosting an online training session (English only) for those interested/planning on facilitating an event before Computer Science Education Week begins.

The tutorial is designed for children ages six and up. Find out more here or by watching the video below.